Saying thanks to George Dixon

by Lucas Dunlop.

George Dixon, vice-president, academic & provost, is moving on from his executive role.

Having served as interim vice-president academic & provost since last fall, and previously the vice-president, university research from 2007 to 2017, Dixon is going to hold a definite-term research position for the next two years beginning in July.

During his research career, Dixon has maintained an active research program, supervising the research of more than 70 graduate students, and authoring or co-authoring more than 300 refereed journal articles. His years of experience with the University makes Dixon no stranger to special ceremonies like convocation.

“Convocation is perhaps the most rewarding occasion in the life of a university. It evokes our rights and privileges, and it has a duality about it—on one hand, we’re celebrating past accomplishments, on the other hand, we are looking at the promise of new beginnings. My wish for all graduates is that you have the best of new beginnings.”

During his time at Waterloo, Dixon also served as dean of the Faculty of Science and developed many courses in the field of environmental toxicology and risk assessment. Dixon has more than 30 years of experience in aquatic toxicology and environment risk assessment with a focus on impacts caused by metals and the mining industry. He has served as an adviser for many governmental agencies throughout North America and around the world.

“George has made our University better, stronger and more dynamic because of his three decades of dedicated work,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “My deepest thank you to George for his work as a researcher that has pushed his field forward and for his contributions as a senior administrator. Both have been invaluable in helping make the University of Waterloo what it is today.”

Jim Rush, formerly dean of Applied Health Sciences at Waterloo, will take over the position of vice-president academic & provost July 1.

Sloan, Fred Penner to bring the heat on Canada Day

Any way you slice it, Canada Day promises to be a scorcher.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for extreme heat over the Canada Day long weekend, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid thirties and humidex values leaping into the mid forties. Whew!

And if that weren't enough, the Canada Day celebrations at Columbia Lake will be a blaze of iconic performers, food trucks and activities for children of all ages.

The afternoon starts off at 4:00 p.m. with opening ceremonies and Waterloo student performances on the main stage.

Vendors, sponsors, and the requisite water slide will be set up along Waterloo Way.

Country 106.7FM morning co-hosts Jennifer Campbell and PJ will emcee the afternoon line-up on stage and 106.7FM afternoon host Brian Gosse will co-emcee the evening.

At 5:00 p.m., multi-Juno award-winning children’s performer Fred Penner will take the stage.

At 7:00 p.m., a number of community cultural performances are scheduled, including the Tamil Cultural Association and Sri Abiramy dancers, a martial arts demonstration by the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy demo team, and Kitchener Portuguese Club dancers.

Warming things up in the evening on the OpenText Live Music Stage will be the headliners, Juno award-winning pop quartet Sloan.

In addition to musical entertainment and fireworks, the celebration will also offer family activities such as face painting and arts and crafts, cultural performances and a food fair. Inflatable obstacle courses and other amusements will be set up in the Activity World. The Brubacher House Museum will be open to attendees.

There will be a diverse variety of comestibles and beverages available from local vendors at the Food Fair and Beer Garden.

Oh, and the fireworks display? Fuggedaboutit! The rockets start firing at 10:00 p.m.

The University of Waterloo and the Federation of Students have partnered along with community sponsors to host the event on the Columbia Lake Field each Canada Day since 1984. Join 60,000 of your closest friends and share your national pride on #UWCanadaDay.

What's open and closed this long weekend

At last, the long weekend beckons, with Canada Day taking place on Sunday, July 1, which means a holiday Monday for the University on July 2.

Some campus operations have shifted into the highest of high gears to pull off the Canada Day celebrations on Columbia Lake Field on Sunday, the rest of us can enjoy an extended weekend break. Here are the campus closures for Monday, July 2:

Most Food Services locations will be closed Monday. Exceptions include The Market at UWP, which will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 2.

The Dana Porter and Davis Centre Libraries will be open from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 2. Check the Library's hours site for openings and closings at other locations.

Athletics facilities, including the PAC and CIF, will be closed Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2.

As always, even on holidays, the university police (519-888-4911) will be at work, the Student Life Centre and its Turnkey Desk at 519–888-4434 will be open, and the central plant will be monitoring campus buildings (for maintenance emergencies, call ext. 33793).

The Daily Bulletin will return on Tuesday, July 3. Enjoy the long weekend and have a Happy Canada Day!